Word Origin & History

startle c.1300, "run to and fro," frequentative of sterten (see start). Sense of "move suddenly in surprise or fear" first recorded 1530. Trans. meaning "frighten suddenly" is from 1595. The word retains more of the original meaning of start (v.).

Example Sentences for startle

For others, the clicks startle the bats, allowing the moths time to escape.

Sometimes a sudden shift in color can be used to startle potential predators or threaten intruders.

Startle reactions may be simply the effect of social factors.

He tries the horn to startle the bird out of landing, but it's not working.

The birds would stand still for long stretches, resembling their taxidermy cousins, then startle spectators by taking flight.

Dozens of earthworm species from all over the world can secrete a glowing slime, thought to startle predators.

Other novel ways for dealing with the pirate problem include lasers that startle their targets, and giant electric fences.

He never responded to the sound of my voice and didn't have the startle reflex.

Patients are permanently primed for fight or flight, and tend to startle more easily.